My sister-in-law took one bite and came running over to me asking for the recipe. I think I literally turned red in the face having to tell her how simple it was haha
Indulging in a scrumptious plate of Baked Meatball & Spaghetti is like experiencing a hug for your taste buds. This classic Italian-American dish brings together tender meatballs, al dente spaghetti, and a rich tomato sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll transport you to the heart of Italy. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, a cozy dinner date, or simply craving comfort food, this recipe has you covered. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, gather our ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey to craft this delectable dish.
ADVERTISEMENT
| Ingredients for Meatballs | Ingredients for Sauce | Other Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Crushed tomatoes | Olive oil |
| Bread crumbs | Onion | Salt |
| Milk | Garlic | Black pepper |
| Parmesan cheese | Basil | Red pepper flakes |
| Egg | Sugar | |
| Parsley | Salt | |
| Salt and pepper | Olive oil |
Crafting the Perfect Meatballs:
Mixing the Ingredients
Start by combining the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently knead the mixture until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
ADVERTISEMENT
Shaping the Meatballs
With clean hands, roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs. The size is up to you, but uniformity ensures even cooking.
ADVERTISEMENT
Baking the Meatballs
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a touch of olive oil over them for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
Preparing the Flavorful Sauce:
Sautéing the Aromatics
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Simmering the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add basil, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. To balance the acidity, sprinkle in a bit of sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Bringing It All Together:
Boiling the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Remember to salt the boiling water for extra flavor.
Mixing the Magic
Once the meatballs are out of the oven and the sauce is ready, gently toss the cooked spaghetti in the tomato sauce. This helps the flavors infuse the pasta.
Plating and Savoring
Plate the saucy spaghetti topped with your delectable meatballs. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and relish the symphony of flavors and textures!
